October 4, 2006
Press Freedom and Responsibility
Peter Kann
Chairman of Dow Jones Co.
Minutes of the Fourth Meeting of the 65th Year
At 10:15 AM President Giordmaine called to order the one hundred twenty-two members of the fourth meeting of the 65th year, of the Old Guard assembled at the Friend Building of Princeton University. The invocation was led by John Marks, The minutes of the meeting of September 27, 2006 were read by Lee Neuwirth. There were no guests introduced at the meeting. Visitors were Sheldon Sturgis, introduced by Henry King, and Claire Neunes, introduced by Rosemary O'Brien.
Charles Stenard, Membership Chairman, congratulated the new members, many of whom were present. He also showed the members a new handbook which will be distributed to each member and he thanked the membership committee for its work on the book.
Tom Cawley, the treasurer, announced that the initiation fee for the Old Guard is $100 and annual dues are $50. Accordingly, he requested the new members to pay $150 and reminded those members of the Old Guard who had not paid their annual dues to do so without further delay.
Henry King introduced Peter Kann, who is the chairman of Dow Jones & Company. Mr. Kann is a native of Princeton and a graduate of Harvard. He attended Princeton public schools and served as a reporter in Vietnam and elsewhere.
Mr. Kann began his talk by saying that he would speak on some of the disturbing problems which presently affect the press. He quoted Thomas Jefferson to the effect that if he had to choose he would prefer newspapers without government to government without newspapers. He also quoted Jefferson as saying "The press is an evil for which there is no remedy."
The speaker described the news as a uniquely important product which strengthens and supports democracy. However, at its worst, it can corrode democratic systems of which it is a part. He said that the First Amendment should not be waved before the public as a matador waves a red flag in front of a bull. He said it is not in the interest of the press to be wrong too often on facts or on standards.
Mr. Kann said there are a few positive trends in the media landscape. Among these are the advent of cable TV and the Internet. However, he said that for every Walter Lippman or James Reston there has been a Walter Winchell or Father Coughlin.
Mr. Kann discussed trends of the press which he finds disturbing.
These trends frequently result from a confusion or blending of news with other things which are not news, such as entertainment and opinion, The confusion of fact with context is another disturbing trend as is an exaggerated tendency towards pessimism such as assuming the worst and bending the facts to fit this mind set. An example would be viewing all politicians as corrupt. Another disturbing trend results from a fascination with the bizarre, for instance the Jon Benet affair.
The speaker reminded us that the media is a powerful presence. Its purpose should be to empower its readers. The press is partly responsible for the public's skepticism of powerful institutions. But the press is a powerful institution also. For instance, The Wall Street Journal has more influence on economic policy than the institutions it covers.
The speaker expressed his strong belief that with power must go more restraint and responsibility. The focus should be on accuracy and seeking out various points of view and seeking the truth. Journalists must realize that they are human beings first and journalists second. Quality and truth should influence the news industry.
If the press would recognize these principles the disturbing problems described by Peter Kann would be reduced if not eliminated.
Mr. Kann's remarks were enthusiastically received by a large attendance.
A question period followed his remarks, and the meeting was adjourned at 11:30 AM.
Respectfully submitted,
Eugene M. Waring
Charles Stenard, Membership Chairman, congratulated the new members, many of whom were present. He also showed the members a new handbook which will be distributed to each member and he thanked the membership committee for its work on the book.
Tom Cawley, the treasurer, announced that the initiation fee for the Old Guard is $100 and annual dues are $50. Accordingly, he requested the new members to pay $150 and reminded those members of the Old Guard who had not paid their annual dues to do so without further delay.
Henry King introduced Peter Kann, who is the chairman of Dow Jones & Company. Mr. Kann is a native of Princeton and a graduate of Harvard. He attended Princeton public schools and served as a reporter in Vietnam and elsewhere.
Mr. Kann began his talk by saying that he would speak on some of the disturbing problems which presently affect the press. He quoted Thomas Jefferson to the effect that if he had to choose he would prefer newspapers without government to government without newspapers. He also quoted Jefferson as saying "The press is an evil for which there is no remedy."
The speaker described the news as a uniquely important product which strengthens and supports democracy. However, at its worst, it can corrode democratic systems of which it is a part. He said that the First Amendment should not be waved before the public as a matador waves a red flag in front of a bull. He said it is not in the interest of the press to be wrong too often on facts or on standards.
Mr. Kann said there are a few positive trends in the media landscape. Among these are the advent of cable TV and the Internet. However, he said that for every Walter Lippman or James Reston there has been a Walter Winchell or Father Coughlin.
Mr. Kann discussed trends of the press which he finds disturbing.
These trends frequently result from a confusion or blending of news with other things which are not news, such as entertainment and opinion, The confusion of fact with context is another disturbing trend as is an exaggerated tendency towards pessimism such as assuming the worst and bending the facts to fit this mind set. An example would be viewing all politicians as corrupt. Another disturbing trend results from a fascination with the bizarre, for instance the Jon Benet affair.
The speaker reminded us that the media is a powerful presence. Its purpose should be to empower its readers. The press is partly responsible for the public's skepticism of powerful institutions. But the press is a powerful institution also. For instance, The Wall Street Journal has more influence on economic policy than the institutions it covers.
The speaker expressed his strong belief that with power must go more restraint and responsibility. The focus should be on accuracy and seeking out various points of view and seeking the truth. Journalists must realize that they are human beings first and journalists second. Quality and truth should influence the news industry.
If the press would recognize these principles the disturbing problems described by Peter Kann would be reduced if not eliminated.
Mr. Kann's remarks were enthusiastically received by a large attendance.
A question period followed his remarks, and the meeting was adjourned at 11:30 AM.
Respectfully submitted,
Eugene M. Waring